[O177]Online Degree Financial Aid

If you're looking for financial aid to help fund your online degree program then this article can help you understand what is available. No matter if you're seeking a bachelor degree online or master degree online or a business, education, nursing degree or anything else, there is plenty of money available if you know where to find it.

1. First of all make sure to fill out and turn in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The financial aid office at your school of choice will notify you of the types and amount of aid for which you qualify.

And because you're learning over the Internet instead of on campus doesn't mean that you're not eligible for federal aid. The tremendous growth and popularity of accredited online degrees or distance learning has prompted the Department of Education to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965.

In the past, this act required that students be present in a classroom more than half the time (formally called the "50 percent rule"). But now online institutions and programs are subject to the same federal financial aid rules as on-campus schools including colleges and universities.

This means that if online bachelor degree or any online degree students meet the normal aid and eligibility requirements, such as credit hours needed, etc., then they have the same odds of receiving aid as anyone else attending an on-campus college.

2. Next there are plenty of scholarships available. There are literally billions of scholarship dollars for students of all types. It takes a little research to find out which ones apply to you and your situation - each situation is unique. But there are many resources that can help you.

Besides seeking out independent organizations or employers who offer scholarship moneys, online schools often make efforts to assist their students in paying for school.

3. Consolidation of bills may be a possibility. Are car payments eating up your would-be tuition dollars? Or is credit card interest taking money that could be used for books and other needed learning materials? Doing a little research here can go a long way to reducing your existing bills or consolidating your debt.

4. Getting tuition reimbursement - many companies offer their employees tuition-reimbursement options that can not only help save cash, but combined with other efforts can in some cases fund an entire degree. Many work toward M.B.A.'s at institutions like the University of Phoenix. This degree could cost $23,000. Your employer may share in a large part of that cost. Combine this with scholarships and other funding and you can get your online degree practically free.

5. Sometimes online schools are willing to acknowledge your past experience to help you get your online degree quicker -- for example, if you've been a manager for the past few years, you could parlay that into some management credits, known as the "credit for life experience."

These tests are administered by The College Board. It's a group of more than 30 standardized tests called College Level Examination Program tests that can help you turn your life's work into a way to save time and money.

The exams test for proficiency in every possible subject area from American history to marketing, and each one can be worth as much as 12 undergraduate credits. The policy at every school is different, so be sure to check first with your college or university of choice on how they handle the scores.

These are just a few of the many ways you can finance your online education and get that coveted online degree. Distance learning has been becoming increasingly popular and accepted among employers. You will need to some serious planning and saving to achieve your online degree education goals